>> FEATURES

INNER NZ

Expat New Zealander and now Aussie resident Sam Lopert led the Inner Relm team back to his homeland. With a campervan loaded with plenty of wetsuit options, Sam and his friends, partners and babies set off to explore the numerous beaches around his birthplace and all over the island. Kiwi friend and world-class photographer Rambo Estrada tagged along and got a bucketload of quality shots.

KAI ELLIS-FLINT . . . THE NUANCES

Long one of our favourite stylists here at PLB, Kai gets this extensive and well-deserved spray from quality writer (and surfer) Jessamyn Jean. Kai first started competing at seven at the Ocean Beach Malibu Club on the NSW Central Coast but after an on-again off-again career he only entered the WSL last year. His relative lack of success given he was often the standout surfer in the event in the eyes of informed onlookers, highlighted the problems the WSL has with their judging of longboard events. Kai has many more strings to his bow than just being a WSL competitor as Jessamyn Jean so ably describes.

THE HOTDOGGER - AN AUSSIE’S TAKE ON AN LA INSTITUTION 

Matt Chojnacki is another man of many talents. Top comp longboarder, respected surf historian and a fine hotdogger himself, he ventures to the annual Hotdogger Championships in the South Bay area of LA as both a competitor and observer for PLB. There’s something about this that does my head in. A hotdog is a fairly long, straight food item while “hotdogging” in the surfing context is anything but straight! Anyway Matt’s sparkling prose and an assortment of the best photos taken by top local photographers Col Elmore and Nathaniel Bryant Tafoya put you right in the centre of the action.

YALLS. PLACE OF CAVES

Back in Oz, Andrew Kenworthy brings us some words and photos from Yallingup, his favourite spot in his favourite corner of Australia. Andrew adds some local history to a collection of his best shots. He says he’s always chasing ‘the shot’ and we reckon he gets pretty close here.

POSTCARD FROM SIARGAO

This small island in the Philippine Sea has endless surf potential beyond its famed Cloud 9. Tourism is booming as are crowds in the surf particularly in the September to December peak surf season. Craig Leete is a surfer and part-time photographer who travels to exotic places whenever he can. Here he shares his impressions of his trip to Siargo and some photos that really capture the essence of this beautiful island and it’s surfing culture.

LENS FLAIR

Every issue the editor rounds up the best photos he’s seen since the last issue and runs them right up the front of the mag for maximum effect. Ten pages of big, colourful and inspiring surfing images.

>> DEPARTMENTS

THE BUZZ

Boz might have been the Buzz once, but PLB has taken over! Channel Coast Log Jam UK, Bruce Palmer the very quiet legend, the board winner – the Takayama DT 60s! Queensland learns to noseride - words and photos from the early '60s by Mal Sutherland. And more . . .

UPFRONT

Thillina Mayuranga spends the whole year working and surfing at home in Sri Lanka. After saving for ages to afford his first board he now has sponsors in Bing and TCSS and has his own clothing brand.

THE GREY GURU

THE GG drifts back to treasured moments spent luxuriating in the hallowed halls of Waikiki’s original Outtrigger Canoe Club . . . your shout for the mai tais Fred.

+ THE 102nd BOARD GIVEAWAY

Yes that really is 102 boards! And this issue it’s an Oceanside Surfcraft 9’3” Blunt no less – shaped by Dru Sheppard, with volan clear deck, resin swirl bottom, and all Australia made.